#6 Premium Fore Plane BR Series Flattop Bedrock Style Bench Plane - 18-1/8" Sole, 2-3/8" Blade
The "BR" Series Hand Planes are modeled after the legendary Stanley Bedrock planes, produced from 1898 to 1945. Renowned as the "top of the line" in Stanley’s lineup, Bedrock planes remain highly sought after by woodworkers and collectors. These planes are distinguished by their robust construction, increased weight, enhanced rigidity, and signature flat-top side design. Another key feature is the innovative frog adjustment mechanism, which allows precise mouth adjustments without removing the iron.
This #6 Fore Plane is well suited for preparing surfaces and edges. While not as long as a #7 jointer plane, the #6 can be used for jointing smaller boards, particularly when a longer heavier plane might feel unwieldy. The longer sole of the #6 makes it effective for flattening and truing large boards or panels. Its length bridges dips and high spots, helping to create a level and flat surface.
The body and frog are made from ductile cast iron. The sole and sides are precision-lapped flat across the entire length of the plane. Measuring 18-1/8" long, 2-7/8" wide, and weighing 8.3 pounds, this plane has the mass needed to “stay in the cut” and reduce chatter marks. It’s mass also makes this a good plane to use in a shooting board.
The knob and tote are crafted from Sapele wood, then finished and hand-rubbed to provide a surface that feels as good as it looks. The 0.120" thick, 2-3/8" wide tool steel iron is hardened and tempered to 55-60 HRc, offering easy sharpening and superior edge retention.
The frog and its seating are designed based on the early Stanley Bedrock planes. This approach provides fully machined, full-surface contact between the frog and the body, ensuring maximum stability for the cutting iron. Paired with a robust 1/8" thick iron and cap iron, this setup significantly minimizes chatter and tearout, resulting in one of the most rigid and efficient frog clamping systems available in any bench plane.
This design also allows the cutting iron to advance for an almost "zero-clearance" mouth opening, enabling the creation of exceptionally fine shavings, even on dense or challenging woods. Furthermore, the mouth opening can be adjusted without disassembling the frog and iron assembly. To adjust, simply loosen the two outer screws at the back of the frog seating pad, then turn the central screw clockwise to reduce the mouth size or counterclockwise to enlarge it.
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